Electrostatic self-assembly of diamond nanoparticles

The mechanism behind the self-assembly of diamond nanoparticles onto silicon dioxide surfaces is explained by simple electrostatic attraction. This electrostatic attraction can be controlled by the surface functional groups of the particles and the pH of the solution. By these simple techniques the nucleation density of diamond nanoparticles on SiO2 surfaces can be controlled up to 1012 cm−2, ideal for the seeding of high performance nanocrystalline diamond. Very low nucleation densities of discrete diamond nanoparticles are also obtainable, which is of use for single photon sources.